ler4_war 1 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 Hi Guys, I am planning to buy a 320i E90 (2005-2007) BMW Sedan in 3-4 weeks time. I've seen some posts on trade me with low mileage 30,000-50,000 at 18,000-20,000$. Can you guys give me advice whether buying a low mileage BMW is safe? I'm just paranoid that the previous japanese owner have sold it due to other faults. Can you give me any reviews about the car that I will be purchasing? I've been saving for the last 3 years to buy a bimmer and I want something which is reliable and will not be a pain in the neck. I have previously owned an e36 but had to sell it due to a steering wheel column problem. Any help/advice would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Cheers, Le Roy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jjs 64 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 My advice is to buy NZ new - you may need to pay more or take a vehicle with higher mileage, but if it has FULL service history from a BMW dealer it is much less likely to be unreliable. Also if you find a vehicle you like, make the seller an offer subject to an inspection by a BMW specialist. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elmarco 56 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 The only way you will know if there are exising problems is via a pre-purchase inspection - regardless of the mileage. As to the E90? I think you get much more for your money in a nice E46. I owned an E46 & now drive an E90 - the E46 was a much better put together car. Some of the electronics in the E90 scare me (electric steering lock, no temp gauge), and the design seems to attract squeaks & rattles. Mine has no space for a spare wheel (designed to use runflat tyres which are a terrible ride by general consensus) and every now and then my radio freezes & needs a power cycle. The E46 had its faults, but felt a lot more solid. Personally, i would go for a 6cyl version (325 / 330) - if youre getting a BMW you may as well get the benefit of the silky smooth straight 6.... 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ethereal 12 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 Hmm, I'll speak from experience and say that I had a difficult experience buying a Japanese import when I purchased my Audi A4 1.8T a little over 3 years ago. I am of the opinion that they don't look after their cars very well. It came in to the country desperately needing a service, leaking coolant and oil.. I'm not sure why I bought it in retrospect, I think I was infatuated with the concept of owning it as admittedly it is a very nice car. I luckily bought a warranty along with it and claimed more than my money spent on it in repairs as well as quite a significant amount of my own dosh that wasn't covered by the warranty. I had a fuel pump fail which left me stranded as well as the initial costs of having to get it registered and replace all four tyres, etc. That said, it's been pretty reliable over the last little while once I ironed out everything that I feel may not have happened had the car been looked after a little better. I've recently (on Friday) just bought myself a 2010 BMW 335i which has come in from the UK. It has 63k on the clock and I can already tell it's been looked after a lot better than the Audi had coming in from Japan (even accounting for the difference in age). This one flew through a pre-purchase inpsection at the BMW dealership and was praised as one of the cleanest they'd seen. Considering it was love at first drive, it had all the options I was looking for around at the right price I jumped on it, but even so I was very careful to make sure I picked up a warranty along with it. I'm hoping I don't need it, but 4 years with AutoSure for around $1800 is what I'd call that a good deal, even if not used for anything other than the peace of mine based on my previous experiences. At the end of the day Le Roy, do what makes you happy. A car is never going to NOT be an expensive item to own, especially if you have a taste for Euro cars (the only people who argue that are the ones who haven't driven a decent Euro car).. Just do your homework, have a pre-purchase inspection done and make sure you're happy with it. Expect to have to do a few things yourself and expect to have it in the garage a few times along the way. I've put about 500km on my BMW since Friday over around 12 hours driving time, I consider the inevitable costs of running and repair (and the mods!) a small price to pay for the happiness and freedom it has/will bring me. Also, I agree with elmarco in saying that you should stretch for a 6 cylinder engine if you can. BMW are famous for them and mine is a joy to drive (even more-so with two turbos attached!). 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ler4_war 1 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 Thanks for your inputs guys, the reason I prefer the 2.0 4cyl (320i) is due to the economical fuel consumption compared to the 2.5 liters. Most of the time I will be out city driving and I do not want to spend $$$ with petrol. Are there any other advantages of a 2.5 vs 2.0 with the exemption of power? Cheers! I also like the E90 due to the shape of the body and the classy appearance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1906 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 I have heard some horror stories overseas about injector problems with the 4cyl direct injection motor, so a warranty is a really good idea, although by the sounds of it some of the issue is poor quality fuel. Have you considered a 320d? Not saying you should, just curious. I tried to get my Dad interested in a 320i, but he found the interior too cramped. They are a nice drive though, itook one to Mt Maunganui and back, not super fast, but pretty good ride etc and great on gas!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Driftit 2078 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 I have been looking at E90's recently also. I have found most NZ New vehicles have very few options. Most are as close to the base model as you can get. I was after a diesel vehicle though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30 325i Rag-Top 2956 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 Before you buy the 320i take a 320d for a test drive, especially if you are interested in the fuel economy! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deeveus 81 Report post Posted February 18, 2014 (edited) Having owned a import e90 320i which I sold and had still have my e46 I'm of the opinion that the NZ new e46 is far better put together. If you do go e90, NZ new is always the best bet IMO. Before you buy the 320i take a 320d for a test drive, especially if you are interested in the fuel economy! And performance.. 120kw and 340nm 0-100 in 8.6 versus 110kw and 200nm and 0-100 in 9 seconds for the 320i Edited February 18, 2014 by The Diesel Guy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elmarco 56 Report post Posted February 18, 2014 My 320d gets up to 1200km to a tank on the open road, and 800km around town. But its nowhere near as smooth & quiet as the 6cyl petrol. Think you will probably find there isnt actually a lot of difference in the fuel economy between the 320 & 325 particularly if you have a heavy right foot..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ler4_war 1 Report post Posted February 22, 2014 Thanks for the inputs guys, this is what I am planning to buy? http://www.trademe.co.nz/698298711 Any thoughts on this guys?? Cheers! I'll include a 3 year mech warranty, and prolly have an AA pre inspection.. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elmarco 56 Report post Posted February 22, 2014 Get BM Workshop or another BMW specialist to do the check - VTNZ & AA dont know all the things to look for on these. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ler4_war 1 Report post Posted February 22, 2014 I will call BM Workshop on Monday to organize a pre purchase inspection. Do u have an idea how much this would cost? I thought having a $140ish AA pre inspection is as good as BMW for their extensive check up. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lord_jagganath 421 Report post Posted February 22, 2014 Leroy, I assume you have checked this out too? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/320i/auction-699418398.htm has the alu-trim... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MISS BM 712 Report post Posted February 22, 2014 Leroy, I assume you have checked this out too? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/320i/auction-699418398.htm has the alu-trim... Love this one ^ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elmarco 56 Report post Posted February 22, 2014 Last one i had done at BM Workshop was $170 if i remember correctly. Gve them a call Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
my_e36 43 Report post Posted February 22, 2014 In terms of fuel economy, my e90 320d does around 8.5l/100km in peak traffic (East Tamaki to Mt Wellington in the morning and back after work). It's not exactly economical compare to equivalent petrol. However, it will drop to low-6 (even high-5 if careful) in open road. If you do less than 20000km per year, you might be better off with a petrol due to difference in cost of registration, RUC, etc... despite better fuel economy and cheaper fuel at pump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allanw 1071 Report post Posted February 22, 2014 I will call BM Workshop on Monday to organize a pre purchase inspection. Do u have an idea how much this would cost? I thought having a $140ish AA pre inspection is as good as BMW for their extensive check up. My mum could do a better inspection for less money! Never seen an AA check that I'd have been happy paying for. They'll tell you it needs a service and how worn out the tyres are, but won't know what is likely to cause actual problems, or what common faults to look out for. When Dad got his E30 (15 years ago!) we had the pre-purchase done at Jerry Claytons in Takapuna - it was $99+ gst (I assume more now ), they gave a comprehensive list of faults, which was accurate and even approximate costs for repair, along with likely life left, and which were the most important to do. They also replaced a front indicator lens that had a crack in it for free! Only a BMW specialist (a good one) will know what to look for. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30 325i Rag-Top 2956 Report post Posted February 23, 2014 Don't know if AA have the equipment to read the fault codes from the ECU even.. The most important piece of info you could have from a modern car like an E90 Any BMW specialist will be able to do that easily as part of the inspection. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jjs 64 Report post Posted February 23, 2014 Good idea with the pre purchase inspection - as others have mentioned very important to get it inspected by an expert! I would keep looking until you find an NZ new version with FULL HISTORY - the only way you know it has been looked after. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allanw 1071 Report post Posted February 23, 2014 I would keep looking until you find an NZ new version with FULL HISTORY - the only way you know it has been looked after. You'd need to know what to look for though - the dealer only does what the customer pays for. Full service history only means it's had oil changes and inspections, but doesn't mean it's had all the repair work that was recommended done. It could still be a poked old peice of crap. That's why the expert is required. Leased cars are classics for scrimped servicing - none of mine were ever done "by the book", but all had the stamps -one never had plugs fitted, even when required every 30K. NZers are cheaparse when it comes to servicing/maintainence/repairs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Palazzo 477 Report post Posted February 23, 2014 Is it just me, or are both of those expensive for 2 litre auto jap imports? Low sky doesn't guarantee good either. A mate at work looked at two Mazdas recently, both 2010. One nz new with 110kms, compressions all 140-160, one jap with 70kms, compressions 95-110. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ler4_war 1 Report post Posted February 24, 2014 Leroy, I assume you have checked this out too? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/320i/auction-699418398.htm has the alu-trim... I sent the owner a message and I got this reply, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ler4_war 1 Report post Posted February 24, 2014 Is it just me, or are both of those expensive for 2 litre auto jap imports? Low sky doesn't guarantee good either. A mate at work looked at two Mazdas recently, both 2010. One nz new with 110kms, compressions all 140-160, one jap with 70kms, compressions 95-110. Palazzo, I agree about the prices being a bit expensive. What do you think is the ideal price range of these 2008 bimmers..? I am from Wangaz, and I'll fly to Auckland on March 17 to look for Bimmers.. The only concern on my part is this 2008 Bimmer (Mike Vinsen) might get sold by then, not unless people would find it expensive.. I'd like to physically look at the car prior to having a pre-inspection esp if the car costs 20,990$. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ler4_war 1 Report post Posted March 12, 2014 Hi guys, ill travel to Auckland this weekend to test drive some 320i's from what I found on TradeMe. While searching online, I found some forums stating that 320i E90 have a lot of issues (coils, revs, etc). How true is that? They said that its better to get a 325i coz ull regret getting a 320i. Anyway, ive searched on trademe and 325i's are a bit over my budget. I might consider 323i's if there are major differences vs 320i. Will you consider a 323i over a 320i, or just stick as planned if there's minimal difference only?? Any help/opinion is appreciated. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
